The State of the Union

Eighteen hours after the State of the Union I find my reaction to Obama’s State of the Union address evolving (a little) beyond the smart remarks aimed at the shape of Timothy Geithner’s ears and the presidents lack of, well, nerve.

The speech contained some really good moments:

I’m happy to hear he’s willing to press healthcare reform and is willing to entertain ideas from others: we’ll have to wait and see if that means we get the only things that will really change the state of healthcare in the US – a public option and a law that keeps insurers from excluding folks with pre-existing conditions.

There’s no denying the historic import of a president is asking for the end of discrimination against gays in our military. We’ll have to wait and see if that means he’ll do something to stop the discharge of gay troops already in progress.

A tax credit for college tuition and the elimination of subsidy payments to banks that offer student loans is a no – brainer. I’m hoping this covers my own tuition and loans (last year).

All of this is good, transformative even – but after a year in office I still think we shouldn’t have to keep waiting for things that were promised on the campaign trail.

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It’s only been a year. What did Bush do in his first year to benefit the country. Obama came to office at a horrific point in time, he is only one man. I agree with you on don’t ask don’t tell. I am also disappointed he didn’t bring up DOMA.

You’re right. I think it took me a few hours to get past my frustration for a president – any president’s — lack of specifics. I’m this way after every SOTU. If I like the president, I want him up on the hill pushing his agenda. If I don’t like a president I’m praying he’ll hang out on the ranch. It’s been my job to hear every campaign speech and make a mental note of every promise, so by the time I hear SOTU I’m tapping my foot looking for proof that he means what he says.

I have a philosophy about politicians and parties: A pox on all their houses. The concept of public service has gone by the board. Now it is only personal service (for the politician) meaning that which gets him/her re-elected.

The best vote is to go off the grid — especially taxes — and see how long it takes Washington/Columbus/downtown Akron — to find “we, the people.”

The best defense is numbers; they can’t put us all in jail.

In the meantime, I’m with the Haiti plan — turn it all over to the women. How much more harm could we do than has already been done? I mean, can you hear the waterfall ahead? Got a paddle?